Walking shoes > Info > The history of flip flops

The history of flip flops

The history of flip flops (thongs, pluggers, and on some occasions jandals) is a long but rarely known history of this beloved style of shoe! Did you know that the first style of flip flop can be traced back to Japan?
These first styles of Japanese flip flops were known by the name of zori and were used as beach wear or summer wear in New Zealand during the early 1930’s.
Despite the long history in Japan and New Zealand, it wasn’t until the late 1950’s that the modern day flip flop came into fruition! While it is a contested fact, it is thought that flip flops were brought into their new life by a man by the name of John Cowie. Unfortunately, little more is known about the long but oh-so interesting past of the modern day flip flop!

Resources for Discount flip flops